Improvement in machines for stretching the brims of hats



J. SHELDON.

Improvement in Machines for Stretching the Brims of H ats. "N 115,114 Pat ented May 23,1371

g QM 1771/0122? UNITED STATES PATENT OFF CE.

JULIUS SHELDON, OF NEYVARK, NEW JERSEY.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 115,114, dated May 23, 1871.

' I, JULrUs SHELDON, of Newark, Essen county, New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mechanism for Stretching the Brims of Hat-Bodies, of which the following is a specification:

Nature and Objects of my Invent ion.

My invention relates to stretching the brims of hat-bodies preparatory to blocking; and consists in providing a suitable block or form upon which the body is placed after the top portion has been stretched, and upon which it is held while the brim is being stretched. This block or form is adjustable by means of a screw, upon which it is mounted and made to suit any height of crown.

The brim is stretched by means of a series of arms, which are stationary all around the circumference of the brim, and a series of levers operating between these arms, which levers are hinged and combined with a lever to raise them up horizontally, carrying portions of the'brim up to its proper position. The stretching surfaces of these arms and levers are serrated or roughened to prevent the slipping or sliding of the brim inwardly or toward the block, and thus carry it to the position required.

I have also provided a means of throwing back, or open, the machine, to enable me to place the cone upon the block and stretchers, and to remove it again when finished; and, acting in combination with this hinge I have provided a latch operated by a spring to hold the machine firmly in position during the operation of stretching.

Description of the Drawing.

Figure 1 shows the machine thrown by the lever in position to stretch the brim, and the dotted lines show the position of the machine when open to receive or remove the hat-body, the stretchingdevers down.

General Description.

standard or shaft line upon which the blockis mounted, and upon which the lever-arms are worked. 0 O, the lever-arms. D D, the stationary stretching-arms. E, the ring or frame, supporting arms D. F, the handle by which the machine is opened and closed. G, the adjustable'block. H, the screw by which the block G is regulated. I I,-the levers which opethe movable lever-arms. J, the handle by i which the levers are operated. K, the springlatch which holds the frame E in place for operation. L,the hinge in frame A by which the machine is thrown open. M, the spring, operating latch K. N, the foot-lever which moves shaft B, carrying the stretchers into position to stretch the brim. O, the link connecting the shaft B and lever N. P P, the legs of the machine. Q, the sliding frame up on which lever arms G are mounted.

To operate my machine I throw back the frame, as shown by dotted lines in the draw ing, and lower the frame Q. I then place the body (the tip havin gbeen previously stretched) upon block Gr, close and latch the frame over it, place the foot upon lever N, which carries the stretchers up and partially stretches the brim; then raise handle J, which carries up the arms 0 G into a horizontal position, thus giving full stretch to the brim and carrying it out into the position, thus stretching the brim perfectly.

Claim.

I claim- The adjustable supporting-block G, in combination with arms D and O, which are roughened upon their holding-surfaces, all acting together, as and for the purposes set forth.

- J. SHELDON.

Witnesses:

GEo. H. COLLINS, JOHN W. RIPLEY.

A A isarrme of the matinee. B, the 

